The Federal Ministry of Transportation says a total of four persons died following a train derailment in Agbor, Delta State.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Funsho Adebiyi, said there were 420 people on board at the time of the accident.

“Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male, and one infant passenger,” the statement read in part.

“A total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.”

Adebiyi explained that rescue and evacuation operations finished around 6:30 pm, with the injured persons evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

He said among them were 24 persons with “serious injuries”, with several others also wounded.

“One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition,” the ministry said.

Investigation Begins

According to him, notable people on board the train included Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone; former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah; and others.

The Ministry and the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) extended their “deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured”.

It also said a “full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced”, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.

“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities. Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation,” the statement read in part.

Monday’s incident came months after another derailment on the train service in November 2025, which was blamed on the activities of vandals.

In November 2025, the NRC said it arrested two suspects in connection with the train derailment incident that occurred on the Warri-Itakpe railway in Agbor, Delta State.

In August, 2025, a passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed, triggering panic among passengers and their loved ones. (Channels)

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